James became a fellmonger in Glebe, Sydney (a trader in animals - slaughtering and selling hides and meat) The family move to Wellington, New Zealand late 1866 after the deaths of their children and James and his sons James and Francis set up again in the same trade. Financially independant, they were able to purchase land at Harbour district (probably in the Porirua area) and at Kaiwharawara, agencies at Blenheim and in 1874 Whau near uckland - they became very wealthy.

Marlborough Express, 1868: Cleared outwards Nov 19 "Falcon", ketch. 37 tons, Capt Cracknel for Wellington, with the following cargo: 15 Bales wool, Guilford;

Daily Southern Cross, 3 May 1869: Mr. Warren, the owner of the Birch Hill estate, Marlborough, has determined to improve the yield and quantity of wool by a judicious culling of his flocks, and by introducing new blood. Mr. Guilford has purchased upwards of 3,000 head for their skins alone, at the very nominal rate of one shilling each.

Evening Post, 4 January 1869: WOOL. THE Highest Price given for Greasy Wool and Sheep Skins. Cash on delivery. JAMES GUILFORD, Kai-Warra Warra.

Evening Post, 1 June 1871: THE undersigned is a CASH buyer of Wool, Skins, Locks, and Pieces. JAMES GUILFORD, Kai-warra. (This advertisement repeated throughout the month)

Wairarapa Standard, 27 July 1872; HIDES AND SKINS BOUGHT. THE highest price given on delivery at Kaiwarra, Wellington. J. GUILFORD 

Evening Star,  4 Dec 1872: TO CAPITALISTS; TO BE SOLD, a valuable Plot of LAND, containing Two-and-a-half Acres (more or less), in the Town of Blenheim, together with all Buildings and improvements thereon. The premises are now in the occupation of J. Guilford and Son, Wool Staplers and Fellmongers, and comprise a new and commodious Dwelling-house, with Garden and Out offices, a Wool-shed, Sweating-house, Pulling-shed, Washing-tank and Pits, with every convenience for carrying on a large and lucrative business. A never-failing stream of soft and pure water runs through the Property, the which is securely fenced. The terminus of the Blenheim and Picton Railway will be within five minutes walk of the line, a portion of the line running along one side of the property. Private circumstances rendering it necessary for the present owner to leave the Province, is the only reason far offering it for sale.  THE GOODWILL  OF THE BUSINESS, which has been steadily increasing under the management of the proprietor for the last five years, will go with the property. There is a first rate opportunity for adding the Tannery Business to the above, as there is not at present any practical competition. Principals only will be treated with.  Address:  JAMES GUILFORD & SON, BLENHEIM.

Marlborough Express, 12 March 1873; Blenheim Borough Council. SLAUGHTER-HOUSE. Mr J. Guilford applied for a license to slaughter at his yard on Mr McCollum's section, at the bottom of Nelson-street. Cr Hodson proposed, and Cr Robinson seconded a motion, that the application be granted. Cr Dodson had no objection to granting the license, but suggested the desirability of having a report from the Inspector of Nuisances as to the eligibility of the place also, to prevent the pollution of the Omaka river by the drainage from the slaughterhouse. The resolution, by the consent of the mover, was then amended to the effect "That the license be granted, subject to the approval of the Inspector of Nuisances."

Marlborough Express,  21 June 1873: Notice. THE BUSINESS of Mr. James Guilford will be CARRIED ON AS USUAL, during his temporary absence, by Mrs. Guilford.  Question - did Rebecca and James separate???

Evening Post, 15 Sept 1873; CENTRAL BOARD OF HEALTH Notice: Applications having been made to the Board for leave to erect slaughter yards as under, all parties objecting to the same must send in notice of such objection to the undersigned not later than the 19th inst on which day a meeting of .the Board of Health will be held at half past 10 o'clock, for the purpose of considering said applications, all parties interested being expected to attend � �James Gear-Slaughter House and boiling down establishment, at Sellars', Petone; James Guilford� Slaughter yard, No 4 section, half mile from Kaiwarra , ,200 yards from main road; CHARLES C, GRAHAM, -. Secretary, Provincial Buildings, Wellington, 12th Sept,, 1873,

Daily Southern Cross, 14 October 1874: NOTICE TO MERCHANTS, SETTLERS, FARMERS, AND OTHERS The undersigned Is prepared to Sort, Scour, Dry Pack, and Deliver Wool, fit for shipment, on reasonable terms Shippers of Wool in grease will find It from 5 to 10 per cent , and in some wools more than that amount to their Interest by having their wool shipped in good order and condition, instead of shipping it various sorts mixed together, and In grease; The Highest Market rates given for Wool, Sheepskins, Locks, Pieces, and Chippings CASH ON DELIVERY. JAMES GUILFORD, WOOL - SCOURING ESTABLISHMENT, Whau, near Auckland.

Daily Southern Cross, 1874: EXPORTS: Port of Onehunga: Nov 20. Per Ferndale, for London - 25 bales wool, J. Guilford

West Coast Times,  9 Jan 1875: A Tanning and Leather Manufacturing Company is projected in Wellington, and in fact is almost floated. The directory is strong and influential. The proposed capital is �20,000, in �5 shares, with power to increase it to �50,000. The company have arranged to buy the business of Mr Guilford, extend it by means of capital, and go largely into the export trade in leather.

Marlborough Express,  15 May 1875, Mrs. Guilford, DRESSMAKER, &c, HOPE COTTAGE, GROVE ROAD. Children's Clothing made, and Plain Needle Work done.

Marlborough Express, 4 September 1875, Page 1
Mrs. Guilford, DRESSMAKER, &c, removed to Cottage opposite Mrs Collins's, GROVE ROAD, BLENHEIM. Children's Clothing made, and Plain Needle Work done.

Advert:  Evening Post, 17 Nov 1875: NOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership hitherto existing between James Guilford and Henry Williams, of Wellington, as Tanners and Curriers, Kaiwarrawarra, has this day been dissolved, and all amounts owing to the form are to be paid to James Guilford alone. The business will in future be carried on by James Guilford. Wellington

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT Evening Post, 10 Nov 1876: ABOUT A DOG. Andres Anderson was charged with stealing a dog, valued at �5, the property of Mr Guilford, of Kaiwarra, on the 2nd instant. Mr Guilford stated that prisoner was in his employ for some time previous to the day in question, when he left and went to Nelson; the dog followed prisoner, who told a boy who remarked the fact that he intended to stone it back ; he did not do so, however, and took the dog to Nelson with him. V. E. Fuller, a clerk in Messrs Levin and Co.'s office, said that about ten days ago the prisoner went into tho office and took tickets by the steamer Wellington for himself and wife to Nelson; he also asked what would be the charge for taking the dog to the same place; witness told him he would have to arrange with the mate of the steamer about the dog; prisoner then said he intended to sell the dog when he arrived at Nelson. Prisoner said he took the dog to Nelson, but he did not know it belonged to Mr. Guilford. Mr. Guilford stated that prisoner was employed by him for about three months, and knew perfectly well that the dog belonged to him. A few days before the 2nd November prisoner killed and ate one of witness's cats, and he was afraid the dog was also intended for a pie. Prisoner was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labor.

Evening Post, 14 Apr 1877 FOR SALE: a Dwelling-house in Kaiwarra, containing seven rooms, in first-class order, with outbuildings attached every convenience. Apply to J. Guilford, Kaiwarra.

Marlborough Express, 18 April 1877: The well-known Berhampore estate situated on ths Main South-road, has changed hands, Mr J. Guilford having purchased it from Mr G. H. Luxford for the sum of �5OOO. The property consists of eight freehold town acres and five acres held under lease for twentyone years. The whole of the land is more or less improved, and there are three dwelling-houses on it, one being a very large house with vinery, &c. There is also a very fine orchard. On the property is the tannery of which Mr Guilford has for some years been the lessee. The appliances are admirable, and Mr Guilford's manufacture of leather holds a high position m the market. He will now be able to extend and improve the works.

Evening Post, 6 June 1877: SALE OF TOWN BELT LEASES. The sale of tho Town Belt leases (for fourteen years) held yesterday. The attendance was large and the bidding keen. L 26: 12 a. 2r. 3p., J. Guilford �10 0s 0d;  L 27: 18 a. 3r. 23p., J. Guilford �18 1s 0d;  29: L 11 a., J. Guilford �14 17s 0d

Evening Post,  26 June 1877: A meeting of the Kaiwarra Local Board was held at the tollgate house, Kaiwarra last evening. Present � Messrs. Wyatt (in the chair), Phillips, Cameron, Guilford, and Donald. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The first business before the Board was the striking of a rate for the ensuing year, notice of which had in due course been given. It was proposed by Mr. Guilford, seconded by Mr. Phillips, and carried, that a rate be levied of 1s in the � for the year, commencing the first day of April, 1877, ending the 31st day of March, 1878.

This busness expansion - was this undertaken by James Guilford Jnr????

Evening Post,  24 June 1878: WHOLESALE BOOT AND SHOE IMPORTER, TANNER, AND IMPORTER OF LEATHER AND GRINDERY. JAMES GUILDFORD begs to inform his constituents that, having made arrangements with Home and foreign Houses in the above Business, he is now receiving Direct Shipments of Goods, of all Styles, and suitable for the New Zealand Market. J. G , importing as above, is now placed in a position second to none, and is now established as a Genuine Importer of Boots and Shoes, English and Foreign leathers, and Tanner of Sole Leather, Kips, Calfs, Harness Leather, &c, &c, The following shipments are to hand :� Grindery, per "Crownthorpe", 60 trunks boots and shoes, per "Margaret Galbraith", 40 trunks boots and shoes, per "Lanarkshire{, 40 trunks boots and shoes, to arrive per "Canmore".

The Grindery comprises all the necessary requisites for the trade, and enables the Importer to place those goods in the market equal to any other house in New Zealand. A large stock of sole leather, kips, calfs, harness and saddle leather, always on hand. The Trade Liberally Dealt With. Temporary Premises, Featherston-street (next Stevenson and Stuart's), Wellington.

Advert; Evening Post, 28 July 1877:  TO LET, a Seven-roomed House, with scullery; outbuildings attached; good stables, &c, and every convenience. Apply to J. Guilford, Kaiwarra.

Advert; Evening Post, 19 July 1878: Steps are being taken to float the New Zealand Tanning and Leather Company, with a capital of �20,000, in �2000 shares of �10 each. The company is formed to take over the business of Mr. J. Guilford, of Berhampore, near Newtown, within three miles of the city. The agreement with the vendor is to take over the whole of the plant, consisting of everything necessary for the prosecution oi a large trade, at a valuation, estimated to come to �4000, of which �1000 will be taken by Mr. Guilford in paid up shares. Those interested in the leather trade have taken a large number of shares, as they consider that jf .properly managed the business must return a large profit. It is about seven years since Mr. Guilford established the works, and he now finds that the business requires a large additional capital to develop it.

The prospectus adds "During the last few years an enormous demand has sprung up for all kinds of leather, the supply both for the export and New Zealand trade being altogether inadequate to meet requirements, hence great delay and consequent loss to the consumer is constantly arising. It is therefore intended, as soon as the company is fairly floated, to lay down such increased stock and appliances as will meet these requirements, and to adopt such means as will secure for the company's leather the first reputation through-out New Zealand." The business will be carried on by Mr. Guilford until the company enters into possession, and it is then proposed to make arrangements by which he will continue to manage the works. Intending investors may obtain prospectuses and any additional information at the temporary offices of the Company, Featherston-street.

Evening Post, 25 Sept 1878: THE NEW ZEALAND TANNING AND LEATHER MANUFACTURING COMPANY (LIMITED). To be Incorporated tender "The Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860." CAPITAL� �2O,OOO, IN 2000 SHARES OF �10 EACH, WITH POWER TO INCREASE TO �50,000. PAYMENTS� IOs per Share on application ; 10s per Share on allotment ; and Four calls of 2Os per Share, payable on the second, third, fourth, and filth month after allotment. No further call respecting the balance to exceed 10s per Share, or be made at shorter intervals than two mouths from the date of the one preceding. It is only proposed to call up half the capital, in order that practical operations can be commenced in January, 1879. PROVISIONAL DIRECTORS: J. Guilford, Esq.; I R. J. Duncan, Esq.; Ed. Jackson, Esq.; B. Port, Esq.; J. E. Evans, Esq.

BANKERS: Bank of Australasia. SOLICITORS : Messrs. Buller & Lewis. TEMPORARY OFFICES: Featherston-street, Wellington. SECRETARY, PRO. TEM.: J. W. Frost.

PROSPECTUS. This Company is proposed for the purpose of taking over as a " going concern," and continuing the working upon a very much enlarged scale of the Tanning business, situate adjacent to the City of Wellington, and known as the property of Mr. J. Guilford (together with the whole of the Stock, tools ,and machinery now in his possession), which is situated at Beramphore, near Newtown, within three miles of the city, and has been in working order for the past seven years. The present proprietor has during that time been extensively manufacturing shoe-makers' and saddlers' leathers, and now finds the demand so great that increased facilities are necessary to meet the demand ; and being convinced, after several years of practical operations, that a Company with capital introducing the necessary machinery and skilled labour, will be able to command a trade second to none in New Zealand. The agreement with the Vendor is to take the whole of the plant at a valuation, estimated to come to in all about �4000, �1000 of which amount will be taken by him in paid up shares. The property consists of one acre of land, a new 10-h.p. engine and rolling gear complete, drying and scouring sheds, and about thirty excellently built pits, giving every facility for extensive operations; approached by a good macadamised road, and easy of access. During the last few years an enormous demand has sprung up for all kinds of Leather, the supply both for the export and New Zealand trade being altogether inadequate to meet requirements, hence great delay and consequent loss to the consumer is constantly arising. It is therefore intended, as soon as the Company is fairly floated, to lay down such increased Block and appliances as will meet these requirements, and to adopt such means as will secure for the Company's leather the first reputation throughout the whole of New Zealand. The business will be carried on by Mr. J. Guilford until the Company enters into possession, and satisfactory arrangements can be made with that gentleman for his valuable services in connection with the active management of the Company. � The Provisional Directors have not thought it advisable or necessary to prepare any elaborate statements of figures showing probable profit� the fact is well known to all, that such a business even moderately well managed, is bound to pay very handsomely; and, when practical experience is combined with large capital, as it will be in this case, the Company should prove an investment second to none in the Colony. A large proportion of the capital has already been taken up by those interested in the Leather trade. Early applications are therefore requested. Prospectuses and Forms of Application for Shares may be obtained from the Bankers, any of the Directors, or at the temporary offices of the Company, Featherston-street, Wellington.

Mr. C. K. Jeffs is appointed Canvasser and Collector to the above Company. J. W. Frost Sec, pro, tern. 1881 - Electorate Waitemata; Number 645; Surname GUILDFORD; Given Names James;

Nature Of Qualification - Freehold; Place Of Residence Kaiwarra; Occupation - Settler; For Property Qualification - Part 99, Waipareira, 78 acres

1878 - Evening Post, 19 July 1878: Steps are being taken to float the New Zealand Tanning and Leather Company, with a capital of �20,000, in �2000 shares of �10 each. The company is formed to take over the business of Mr. J. Guilford, of Berhampore, near Newtown, within three miles of the city. The agreement with the vendor is to take over the whole of the plant, consisting of everything necessary for the prosecution of a large trade, at a valuation, estimated to come to �4000, of which �1000 will be taken by Mr. Guilford in paid up shares. Those interested in the leather trade have taken a large number of shares, as they consider thaf jf .properly managed the business must return a large profit. It is about seven years since Mr. Guilford established the works, and he now finds that the business requires a large additional capital to develop it. The prospectus adds :�": � " During the last few years an enormous demand has sprung up for all kinds of leather, the supply both for the export and New Zealand trade being altogether inadequate to meet requirements, hence great delay and consequent loss to the consumer is constantly arising. It is therefore intended, as soon as the company is fairly floated, to lay down such increased stock and appliances as will meet these requirements, and to adopt such means as will secure for the company's leather the first reputation through- out New Zealand." The business will be carried on by Mr. Guilford until the company enters into possession, and it is then proposed to make arrangements by which he will continue to manage the works. Intending investors may obtain prospectuses and any additional information at the temporary offices of the Company, Featherston-street.

Evening Post, 25 July 1878: SUPREME COURT. CIVIL SITTINGS. J. MACDONALD V J. GUILFORD.  This was an action to recover damages for the illegal seizure of the plaintiff's goods by the defendant. Mr. Bell appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Gordon Allan and Mr. Brandon, jun., for the defendant. From the opening statement of Mr. Bell it appeared that the plaintiff was, until October of last year, a saddler and harness maker, carrying on business near the old club on Lambton Quay. The defendant was a leather manufacturer, and the plaintiff purchased all the leather required in the business from him. Mr. Macdonald previously had a shop in Willis-street, and when he removed to Lambton Quay an arrangement was made by which he was to appear only as the manager of the business for Mr. Guilford, though in reality he was the proprietor. The plaintiff obtained various goods other than leather from the firm of Mason, Struthers & Co., of Christchurch, and Mr. Guilford backed his bills for him. These bills Macdonald always took up until October last, when he was ejected by Mr. Guilford, and his stock sold. There was an account current between the parties, and the plaintiff had often tried to obtain an account from the defendant, but the latter continually put him off on some excuse or other. No invoices were sent with some of the goods, and the plaintiff had no means of ascertaining his liability. On 26th July, 1877, Mr. Guilford asked tor a bill^of-sale, and this the plaintiff gave. The amount named in the bill was �1000, though Mr Guilford acknowledged at the time that the plaintiff's indebtedness was not so large as that. The defendant alleged that on the following day they had sent in a detailed account, with a demand for payment, but the plaintiff denied having received any such document. Various transactions afterwards took place between the parties, and Mr. Macdonald supposed that everything was all right, when on the 22nd October Mr. Guilford suddenly enforced the bill of sale, seized the plaintiff's goods, and, it was alleged, sold them at far below their value. On the 24th October an account was rendered to him, on which the first item was, "To account rendered July 27th, �1460 35." He denied having been indebted to so large an extent, but his goods were then seized. A subsequent account rendered by the defendant made the total indebtedness of the plaintiff over �2000, this amount including bills which Mr. Guilford had backed, but which did not fall due umil December and January. The plaintiff contended that he was doing a large and profitable business, of which he was deprived by the defendant's action, and he now sought to recover �3000 damages. Mr. Macdonald was called to depose to these facts, and the case for the plaintiff was proceeding when we went to press.

Evening Post,  2 Oct 1878: IN BANKRUPTCY. In the matter of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, And In the matter of HENRY TRUEMAN, of the City of Wellington, Bootmaker. "NOTICE is hereby given that by deed dated the thirtieth day ot September, 1878, and filed in the Supreme Court of New Zealand at Wellington on Wednesday, the second day of October, 1878, the above-named Henry Trueman assigned all his property, real and personal, unto James Guilford, of the city of Wellington, tanner, and Nathan John Isaacs, of the city of Wellington, merchant, upon trust for the distribution thereof among all his creditors. And notice is further given that a meeting of tbe creditors of the said Henry Trueman will be holden at the Supreme Court Office, Wellington, on Friday, the first day of November, 1878, at 12 o'clock noon, for the purpose of assenting to the said deed. TRAVERS & SON, Wellington.

Evening Post, 7 Dec 1878: ESTATE OF H. TRUEMAN. ALL Accounts Owing to the above Estate are requested to be paid to the undersigned on or before the 9th instant. J. GUILFORD, Featherston-street, Trustee in the estate.

Evening Post, 11 Dec 1878: IN BANKRUPTCY. In the matter of "The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876," And In tho matter of JAMES GUILFORD, of the City of Wellington, Tanner. NOTICE is hereby given, that by Deed dated the tenth day of December, 1878, and filed in the Supreme Court of New Zealand, at Wellington, on the 11th day of December, 1878, the above named James Guilford, conveyed and assigned all his real and personal property and effects, except as therein mentioned unto Frederick Augustus Krull, of the City of Wellington, aforesaid merchant upon trust, for the conversion of the same into money, and for the distribution of tho proceeds arising from the same among all his creditors rateably. And notice is hereby further given, that a meeting of the creditors of the said James Guilford will be holden at the Grand Jury Room of the Supreme Court Houeo, at Wellington aforesaid, on Monday, the 6th day of January, 1879, at 12 o'clock noon, when the creditors will be asked to assent to tho said deed. Dated this 11th day of Derembor, 1878. TRAVERS & SON, Wellington.

Evening Post, 21 Jan 1879: A sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy was held this morning, before his Honor the Chief Justice. Orders for the complete execution of deeds of arrangement in the estate of James Guilford were granted on the motions of Mr. Edwards and Mr. Travers respectively.

1881 - Electorate South Wellington; Number 462; Surname GUILFORD; Given Names James Nature Of Qualification Freehold; Place Of Residence Berhampore; For Property Qualification - Part town acre 11 and 13

1881 - Electorate Wanganui; Surname GUILFORD; Given Names James Sen; Nature Of Qualification - Residential; Place Of Residence - River Bank; Occ. - Wool Sorter

1881 - Evening Post, 11 Jan 1881; RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT; This Day. (Before Mr. Edward Shaw, R.M.) PROTECTION ORDER. John Guilford was summoned to show cause why a protection order should not be granted to his wife, Rebecca Guilford, but neither party appearing the case was struck out.

Last Name: GUILFORD ; First Name: James ; Service Date: 17-11-1882 Service Provided: Burial; Cemetery: Bolton St ;Section: C of E ;Plot Number: Unknown

1882 - "Return of the freeholders" Guildford Wgtn (Estate of the late) Value �400